Exploring the World of Fikos, Mural Painter
Fikos, a talented mural painter, has made a name for himself with vibrant artworks that adorn cities around the globe. Residing in the suburbs of Nicosia with his partner, he balances a life of creativity with his personal pursuits.
- Interestingly, Fikos struggles to pinpoint a specific childhood memory that stands out. Instead, he focuses on the present and the experiences that shape his art today.
- When riding his motorcycle, Fikos enjoys listening to a mix of rap and contemporary traditional Greek music. These sounds accompany him on his journeys, creating a rhythm to his artistic thoughts.
- Fikos describes his spirit animal as a hedgehog, a choice he finds humorous and somewhat enigmatic. He muses that perhaps a psychologist could provide deeper insights into this connection.
- One of Fikos’s proudest achievements is his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, demonstrated through his actions. He values authenticity and strives to remain true to himself and his vision.
- Reflecting on his journey, Fikos would tell his 18-year-old self not to wait until his 30s to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, underscoring the importance of compassion towards animals.
A Taste of Everyday Life
When asked about his breakfast, Fikos shares a delightful morning routine. He enjoys toasted multigrain bread topped with avocado, hummus, and sautéed Pleurotus mushrooms, complemented by freshly squeezed orange juice. This nutritious start fuels his passion for art and research.
Perfect Daydreams
For Fikos, a perfect day would entail delving into Byzantine art, writing, painting, and enjoying the outdoors. He imagines spending time reading a book and unwinding, activities that feed his creative spirit and connect him with his artistic roots.
Literary Influences
Among the many books he has read, Fikos cites Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari as the best. He believes its insights should be part of school curricula, as it offers profound reflections on the human experience and our evolution.
Reflections on Childhood
Interestingly, Fikos struggles to pinpoint a specific childhood memory that stands out. Instead, he focuses on the present and the experiences that shape his art today.
What’s in the Fridge?
In his kitchen, Fikos keeps a supply of fresh vegetables, fruits, and plant-based milk, embodying his commitment to a healthy lifestyle. These ingredients not only nourish him but also inspire his creative process.
Musical Inspirations
When riding his motorcycle, Fikos enjoys listening to a mix of rap and contemporary traditional Greek music. These sounds accompany him on his journeys, creating a rhythm to his artistic thoughts.
Spirit Animal
Fikos describes his spirit animal as a hedgehog, a choice he finds humorous and somewhat enigmatic. He muses that perhaps a psychologist could provide deeper insights into this connection.
Beliefs and Values
One of Fikos’s proudest achievements is his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, demonstrated through his actions. He values authenticity and strives to remain true to himself and his vision.
Cinematic Impressions
A particularly striking scene from the film Requiem for a Dream has lingered in Fikos’s mind. The raw depiction of addiction left an indelible mark on him, prompting deep reflection on the human condition.
Inspirational Figures
If given the chance to dine with anyone, Fikos would choose the renowned Byzantine painter Manuel Panselinos. He would be eager to learn about Panselinos’s views on rhythm in Byzantine art and to confirm whether that was indeed his name.
Time Travel Aspirations
Fikos has pondered the idea of time travel and has a list of eras he would love to visit. His top choices include witnessing the completion of the Parthenon frieze’s painting in Athens in 432 BCE, uncovering the real story of Jesus, and experiencing the grandeur of Constantinople during the reign of Constantine IX Monomachos in the 11th century.
Facing Fears
One of Fikos’s greatest fears is suffering, something he has encountered during multiple hospitalisations. He hopes to face life’s end with dignity, a sentiment that speaks volumes about his character and outlook on life.
Advice to His Younger Self
Reflecting on his journey, Fikos would tell his 18-year-old self not to wait until his 30s to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, underscoring the importance of compassion towards animals.
Deal Breakers in Relationships
Fikos is clear about his deal breakers in dating: he finds it difficult to connect with someone who writes in Greeklish, lacks spiritual depth, or displays any form of racism or insincerity. Empathy is a crucial trait for him in potential partners.
Final Moments
If faced with the end of the world in just 24 hours, Fikos wouldn’t seek grand gestures; he would simply spend quality time with those he loves, highlighting the value he places on relationships over material concerns.
Fikos’s Artistic Journey
Fikos’s work as a mural artist transcends borders, with his creations gracing walls in Cyprus, Greece, France, Thailand, and beyond. His art not only reflects his personal experiences but also resonates with the communities he engages with. Keep an eye out for his upcoming projects in Nicosia and internationally. For a closer look at his creative journey, you can follow him on Instagram at @fikosantonios.
